Rams sign Russell from Dundee United

Derby County have announced the signing of striker Johnny Russell from Dundee United.

Russell scored 20 goals last season

Russell, 23, has agreed a four-year contract with the Championship side after the clubs agreed an undisclosed fee last week.

He becomes Derby’s third signing of the summer, after the arrivals of Lee Grant from Burnley and Chris Martin from Norwich City, and manager Nigel Clough told his club’s official website he was “delighted” to have agreed the deal.

“His goalscoring exploits north of the border are something we’ve been aware of for some time,” he added of a player who netted 20 goals in 38 games last season. “He’s been prolific in the last few years and from what we’ve seen of him we believe he can transfer that form to the Championship.

“At 23 he is a player who’s only going to improve as well and we feel he’s the right type of player to complement the options and players we already have in attack. We’ve had some stiff competition from a number of clubs to get him here so it’s nice to come out on top and convince him Derby County is the best place for him.

“Johnny is an ambitious and hungry player and he shares our desire to be fighting it out for a top six spot next season and we’re pleased to have him on board.”